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Organized Crime in Boston's Chinatown

NCJ Number
109805
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 55 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1988) Pages: 48-51
Author(s)
F M Roache
Date Published
1988
Length
4 pages
Annotation
In Boston, police have been successful in deterring and reducing the opportunities for Asian criminal organizations to achieve a foothold in Chinatown through the long-term commitment of the area's residents and businesses and by targeting traditional problems such as burglary, robbery, and extortion.
Abstract
Until recently, gambling in the area was controlled by tongs. In 1985, it became apparent that new Asian gangs, primarily Chinese and Vietnamese, were emerging and getting a foothold in prostitution, drug trafficking, extortion, and gaming. Through confidential informants, it became apparent that these gangs had a criminal network that crossed State and international lines. As a result, an information exchange network was established that included State, Federal, and local agencies, as well as enforcement agencies in Canada. While not eliminated, the rising tide of Asian gangs in Boston is fairly under control and these dangerous organizations have been deterred from expansion. Photographs.